Indian Republic Day, an Introduction

There were times when many countries in the world were not free, but instead were ruled by other nations. India too remained
one among such unfortunate countries. It suffered great oppression and misfortune under the British rule, but the people
rose against the foreign power, did a heroic struggle and got liberation at last. The day India got political independence
and the right to self-rule is called Independence Day. And, Republic day is the occasion when the constitution of free
India came into effect. That day was 26th January, 1950 and that is celebrated as the Indian Republic Day, every year.

Significance of Republic Day

Republic refers to a form of Government, where the country is ruled not by a monarch, but only by the people’s representatives
elected by the citizens. After the country became free in 1947, the constitutional document was prepared by a drafting
committee, was discussed in detail in the Constituent Assembly and was later accepted and signed by the members. It was
on 26th November 1949 that the Indian Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India, that is, the governing
document of the country. Later on 26th January, 1950, it was brought into effect throughout the country, ushering India
into a democratic system of governance. Thus it was on the Republic Day that India became an Independent Democratic Republic.
The chosen day of 26th January has its own significance as it was only on this day in 1930 that Indian National Congress
had made a declaration of Purna Swaraj, that is, total independence. Republic Day is one of the three national holidays
of our country, the other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanthi.

Brief History of our Freedom Struggle

The English first came to India in early 17th century, ostensibly for doing business. Slowly, their firm, the East India
Company started acquiring military power, and began fighting with the Indian kings and conquering their lands, one after
the other. Soon our entire country came under the total control of the British rulers. Without right or freedom, our
people became slaves in our own country. But they started rising against the oppressive foreign rule. Mahatma Gandhi
led a non-violent civil disobedience movement against British reign. At last, the English were forced to concede freedom
to India. But along with this, the country got divided on communal lines as India and Pakistan. This resulted in terrible
bloodbath. However, with independence came democracy, where people started ruling themselves. This led to the country’s
progress in many fields and to the all-round betterment of its citizens.

Republic Day Celebrations

Grand celebrations mark the Republic Day. The main event takes place in capital New Delhi, where the spectacular Republic
Day parade is held in Rajpath, in which the military might of India and also its rich and diverse cultural heritage are
generously displayed. Here, the President of India, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of India,
hoists the national flag and takes the salute. The spectacle is also attended by the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers,
senior army and government officials, foreign dignitaries and a large number of common people. Similar parades and celebrations
are also held in all the state capitals, where the Governors fly the national flag and take the salute. Flag hoisting
ceremonies are also done in many government, public and private offices. Cultural events are also organized in many places,
where patriotic songs are sung, competitions are held and sweets are distributed.